Trader Joe's opening in Delray Beach 2014

(Sun Sentinel )

July 23, 2013|By Miriam Valverde, Sun Sentinel

Rest easy, Delray Beach. Rumors have been confirmed: Trader Joe's is coming to the neighborhood.

The quirky and highly coveted grocery store plans to open October 2014 at the southeast corner of Federal Highway and Linton Boulevard, the site of the upcoming upscale shopping center Delray Place, the company told the Sun Sentinel.

"Trader Joe's is our linchpin anchor to propel Delray Place into a lifestyle leasing tenant mix," said Joe Carosella, president of Retail Property Group Inc., the owner and developer of Delray Place. "It's a nationally well known, signature gourmet grocer which will create a regional identity for Delray Place."

Trader Joe's is known for carrying uncommon products under the company's label, such as Korean style beef short ribs dinner entrees. Its selection also includes Arabica bean coffees, vitamins and supplements, beer and wine.

"The 'Trader' in Trader Joe's refers to the way the company blazed a distinct trail through the grocery industry," the company said in a press release. "Searching the world for great values and distinctive products."

The Delray Beach site is the fourth location scheduled to open in Florida in 2014. Earlier this year, the California-based grocer said it'll also open stores in Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens and Winter Park in 2014.

A Trader Joe's is slated to open October 18 in Miami-Dade County's Pinecrest neighborhood. That store will begin taking employee, "crew member," applications beginning September 9.

The approximately 115,000-square-foot Delray Place shopping center is slated to have its grand opening October 2014. The vacant office buildings currently at the site will be demolished around September, and the new construction is expected to be completed by June 2014, according to the developer.

Trader Joe's South Florida expansion has been well-received by eager customers who've gone to the chain's stores elsewhere in the country. Public officials have campaigned to get Trader Joe's in their cities, and loyal fans have also created multiple social media pleas to the grocer.

"I know this is somewhere I will be shopping," Kaylee Salguero told the Sun Sentinel last month after learning Trader Joe's was coming to Boca Raton. "Can't wait till they open."

Delray Beach City Commissioner Adam Frankel has had Trader Joe's in mind for years.

"When first elected city commissioner over four years ago, the economic development director asked me what do I want in the City of Delray Beach," he said. "And four years ago, I said Trader Joe's."

Frankel said the new grocer will be "a great fit and a great complement," appreciated by residents.